Progress continues on search for unleaded avgas

One year after four fuels were selected for testing as potential replacements for leaded avgas, progress remains steady, according to a report at AOPA.org, which notes that the first phase of testing should be completed later this year. Testing now is concentrated on material compatibility and rig testing, with the second phase of testing — in engines and aircraft — slated to begin in early 2016, according to the report.

“The FAA has said it hopes to have an unleaded replacement for avgas certified by 2018, and the program is on target to reach that goal,” the report concludes.

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I know this article was aimed at the minority of planes that need more octane and fly the majority of the hours, more than 91-93 E0 mogas will provide, but I just had a 500 gallon load of pure no brand 93E0 delivered by bobtail by my distributor, frsh from the terminal, to my filtered personal tank….for 2.38/gallon. Right over the hill at the least expensive pump around here, avgas is 4.75/gallon. With an STC sticker on my low compression engined airframe, it doesnt take rocket science to figure out they are going to charge avgas prices for octaned no lead fuel to the majority of airplane owners who fly the minority of hours. You just gotta solve it yourself because it wont get solved anytime soon.

So…an alternative fuel is “just around the corner”? Been flying for 31 years. Heard this same thing many, many times. Never seems to materialize for some reason. Guess I won’t hold my breath this time either…